Friday, June 6, 2014

This Ekaadasi should be observed throughout the world on June 9th, 2014 except those regions in USA and Canada that follow Pacific Standard time and Hawaii Standard time. Those in regions observing Pacific Standard time and Hawaii standard time should observe this Ekaadasi on June 8, 2014 itself.

Significance of the Nirjala Ekaadasi:
Nirjala
Ekaadasi is also known as Paandava Nirjalaa Ekaadasi. Sage Vyaasa was
extolling the virtues of the Ekaadasi fast and also the sins associated
with not keeping the ekaadasi fast. The other Paandava brothers and
Draupadi who were observing Ekaadasi vrattam scrupulously were very
happy to listen to the exposition on the glories of Ekaadasi; however,
the Great Warrior Bheema who was known for his gluttony and who could
not fast on Ekaadasis (fasting twice a month was almost unthinkable for
him!!!) was worried on hearing the sins associated with not keeping
ekaadasi vrattam. So, he requested Sage Vyaasa to tell an alternative
instead of fasting on all ekaadasis.

Sage
Vyaasa clarified that if the Nirjalaa Ekaadasi fast is observed
scrupulously, it will give the result of having observed ekaadasi fast
throughout the year, and so Bheema can observe that ekaadasi alone to
get the results of all other ekaadasis thus escaping the sins associated
with not observing other ekaadasis. This was at least tolerable to
Bheemasena (he just needed to fast once a year which was at least okay
rather than at least 24 days per year on each ekaadasi the very thought
of which was intimidating to him!). Thus, this Nirjala Ekaadasi is also
known as "Bheema Ekaadasi" or "Paandava Ekaadasi"

Procedure for observing Nirjalaa Ekaadasi

One
should take bath early in the morning and declare that he/ she is
undertaking the Ekaadasi fast for escaping all sins - known and unknown
and for the Grace of Lord Hari. Meditation should be done upon Lord
Naaraayana reclining on His Bed of Seshaa in the midst of the Milk Ocean
(Jala Saayi Perumaal). We should also remember Sage Vyaasa's words that
observing this single Ekaadasi will give the merits associated with the
other ekaadasis of the year also.

Usually
ekaadasi fast can be done as per one's wishes and convenience, like -
fruit only fast, milk only fast, water-only fast, abstaining from grains
but eating other ritual pure items/ vegetables, etc. However,
Nirjala ekaadasi - as the name implies - should be a complete fast where
the observer of the fast should abstain from even plain water!

Many
scrupulous observers of Ekaadasi fast usually keep a complete fast
(including abstaining from water) on all ekaadasis. Even those who are
not so strict about abstaining from water on normal ekaadasis should
abstain from water during the nirjala ekaadasi. Of course, there is
exemption applicable for old-aged, the physically infirm, those who are
in sick bed, pregnant women, lactating women with very young infants,
etc. Others who are physically fit but fail to observe this ekaadasi are
missing a very good karmic opportunity because, just observing this one
ekaadasi can exempt you from all other ekaadasis (and also gives you
the merit that could accrue from observing all other ekaadasis!!!!).

On
dwaadasi day (the next day) while breaking the fast, it is auspicious
to make some charitable donation to any deserving cause to get the full
results of the observance. It is customary to offer umbrellas, sandals,
or water pot to pious brahmins on this day. If you are not able to find
suitable pious persons who deserve such dhaanaas, you may just
contribute what little you can to any charitable cause of your choice or
to any temple.

Merits associated with observing nirjala Ekaadasi:

1) The merit accruing out of performing shraadha during solar eclipse.
2)
The merit accruing out of observing all other ekaadasis of the year (it
does not mean that we should not maintain the other ekaadasi fasts if
we observe this; just think....if you observe this in addition to all
other ekaadasis, you will be getting twice the benefit is it not? For
those who cannot fast on all ekaadasis due to practical considerations,
this ekaadasi is a boon; they can observe just this ekaadasi with full
devotion and perfection - without water!)

May our members observe this Holy Fast and gain the Grace of Lord Hari.